Question:
Not causing a problem at present, but what would you advise doing as a preventive measure for tree roots in sewer line — hydrojetting or snaking? I’m a little leary of hydrojetting as these are very old pipes and don’t want to cause them to break. Also, what is best way to keep kitchen/bath drains clear and clean pipes which might have buildup of debris? Using more natural ingredients like baking soda and boiling water?
Answer:
Actually snaking is harder on the pipes than hydrojetting. When you snake a line you have a heavy steel cable flopping around in the line which can crack the clay or cast iron pipe. Hydrojetting uses high pressure water, but it is never concentrated in one spot long enough to do any damage since it is constantly moving back and forth in the line.
However, in the case of a sewerline with root intrusion,I would probably recommend snaking the line with root cutting blades and immediately pouring in a “Foaming Herbicide” such as Root Proof which will be absorbed into the cut root ball. Plants release a traumatic acid, which is like heavy sap, within a few hours of being damaged. Nothing can penetrate this sap, not even root killers once it has formed. Allow the foaming root killer to stay in the line at least 4 hours before you run any water. Eventually you will need to replace the section of pipe that is bad as it will continue to get worse.